NBA Power Rankings: Who's Ready to Challenge Heat as Offseason Winds Down

We're now into the late summer days of August, and NBA fans have finally accepted the fact that King James and the Miami Heat are NBA champions.

But buckle up your seat belts because the 2012-2013 campaign is going to be another wild ride.

With blockbuster deals and big-name signings that felt like an NBA 2K12 season with the "fair trades" option turned off, the upcoming season will feature some familiar teams in the upper echelons and some newer squads making the playoff push.

There are still two months until those stellar matchups to start the season on October 30th, but training camp is right around the corner.

Sacramento Kings

Stephen Dunn/Getty ImagesCousins will lead the team in scoring

2011-2012 Record: 22-44

The Sacramento Kings will continue to be irrelevant in 2012-2013, but there is hope for the future.

The team is young. Shooting guard Marcus Thornton is already developed and a potential star, Isaiah Thomas is a young and exciting point guard, and DeMarcus Cousins and rookie Thomas Robinson will pull down boards all night.

Detroit Pistons

Nick Laham/Getty ImagesDrummond played one year at UConn before entering the draft

2011-2012 Record: 25-41

The Detroit Pistons took a risk drafting Andre Drummond with the ninth overall pick in the draft. At 19, Drummond is young, but if his talent is developed properly and he matures quickly, he will become a solid interior player.

Otherwise, there's not much to look forward to for the Pistons in 2013.

Golden State Warriors

Ezra Shaw/Getty ImagesCurry will be entering his fourth season in the NBA

2011-2012 Record: 23-43

The Golden State Warriors look good on paper with Andrew Bogut coming over from Milwaukee, seventh overall pick Harrison Barnes on the wing and returners David Lee, Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry rounding out the starting five.

If they can improve upon their 28th ranked defense in points allowed per game (101.2), the Warriors could show some progress.

Boston Celtics

Mike Ehrmann/Getty ImagesGarnett and Rondo are eyeing another playoff appearance

2011-2012 Record: 39-27

The Boston Celtics were one game away from the NBA Finals last year but couldn't close out the Miami Heat.

Now their starting shooting guard, Ray Allen, is playing for them next season.

That's alright for the Celtics who re-signed Kevin Garnett, ensuring he will retire in Celtic green, and Brandon Bass. They signed Jason Terry and Courtney Lee and drafted Jared Sullinger who could make a strong impact.

This is Rajon Rondo's team now. Along with Paul Pierce, the Celtics will make a strong push back to the playoffs.